Iowans will head to their polling places and cast their primary ballots on Tuesday, June 2.
Here’s a reminder of some of the voting rules in place for Iowa voters.
What do I need to bring to my polling place?
Registered voters must present a valid form of identification to vote.
Valid forms of identification include:
If you need to register to vote at your precinct, you’ll also need to bring proof of residence. A driver’s license with your current address can satisfy both requirements. Otherwise, these items, provided they are less than 45 days old, can serve as proof of residence:
Can I take selfies with my ballot?
Ballot selfies are permitted in Iowa so long as they don’t violate any purposes prohibited under Iowa Code, or interfere with other voters and the operations of the polling place. No more than one person can occupy a voting booth at any time. So make sure your photo is a selfie and it’s not taken by a friend who went to the polls with you. Make sure you don’t get anyone else in your photo as well.
Can I wear campaign apparel to the polls on Election Day in Iowa?
Iowa does allow voters to wear campaign buttons or clothing when they go to vote. They must leave as soon as they are done voting, according to the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. Campaigning and electioneering of any kind is illegal at polling places.
Loitering at a polling site while in political apparel is considered electioneering, according to the Iowa Secretary of State. Those working for the county auditor’s office, precinct election officials, poll watchers and observers at satellite voting locations can not wear political items at the polling place.
Can I campaign for my favorite candidates at the polls on Election Day in Iowa?
No. Iowa law makes it first-degree election misconduct to intimidate, threaten or coerce a voter — or attempt to do so — in order to pressure the voter into registering to vote or voting, or to keep them from registering or voting. The felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. Other violations, such as loitering and electioneering within 300 feet of a polling place, are considered misdemeanors.
Can I use my phone to research races at the polls?
Yes, nothing in Iowa law forbids using a phone while voting to research candidates. The Linn County Auditor’s Office told the Register voters can research candidates at the polls so long as it doesn’t disrupt other people voting. So, don’t plan on FaceTiming, taking a call on speakerphone or watching videos while in the booth.
Can I bring my children with me into the voting booth?
Yes, children are allowed into the voting booth when accompanied by a parent.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa voting rules require ID, allow selfies in June 2 primary
Reporting by Lucia Cheng and Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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